Blue by Chris Abani: Poem and Analysis

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General Analysis 

"Blue" by Chris Abani reflects on the harrowing experiences of Africans during the transatlantic slave trade. Divided into four sections, the poem vividly portrays the inhumane conditions endured by slaves on board ships bound for the Americas.

In the first section, Abani describes Africans packed into the hold of the ship, folding themselves to make room for hope amidst the oppressive heat and the smell of tar. The imagery of a child's licorice stick melting in the sun evokes a sense of innocence lost.

The second section highlights the captain's discomfort with his Igbo cargo, as they contemplate the idea of swimming back to land. The reference to the Igbo proverb "Igbo pend'c or' a ya!" suggests a deep-seated resilience and refusal to succumb to despair.

The third section portrays the dehumanization of a female slave who has been sold multiple times. Her pride is likened to the masticated husks of chewing sticks, emphasizing the brutality of her experiences. Despite her pain, she breaks loose, symbolizing a fleeting moment of defiance and empowerment.

In the final section, the poem culminates in a violent image that could be interpreted as either the slave woman exacting revenge on the captain or her tragic demise at his hands. The ambiguity of the ending adds to the poem's haunting quality, leaving readers to contemplate the depths of human suffering and resilience in the face of unfathomable cruelty.

The Poem

Blue

BY CHRIS ABANI

                                  I

Africans in the hold fold themselves

to make room for hope. In the afternoon’s

ferocity, tar, grouting the planks like the glue

of family, melts to the run of a child’s licorice stick.

Wet decks crack, testing the wood’s mettle.

Distilled from evaporating brine, salt

dusts the floor, tickling with the measure

into time and the thirst trapped below.

                                  II

The captain’s new cargo of Igbos disturbs him.

They stand, computing the swim back to land.

Haitians still say: Igbo pend’c or’ a ya!

But we do not hang ourselves in cowardice.

                                  III

Sold six times on the journey to the coast,

once for a gun, then cloth, then iron

manilas, her pride was masticated like husks

of chewing sticks, spat from morning-rank mouths.

Breaking loose, edge of handcuffs held high

like the blade of a vengeful axe, she runs

across the salt scratch of deck,

pain deeper than the blue inside a flame.

                                  IV

The sound, like the break of bone

could have been the Captain’s skull

or the musket shot dropping her

over the side, her chains wrapped

around his neck in dance.

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Themes

1. Dehumanization: Abani vividly portrays the dehumanizing effects of the transatlantic slave trade. The description of Africans folding themselves in the ship's hold emphasizes their reduced status to mere objects. The repeated sales of the female slave and the comparison of her pride to "husks of chewing sticks" illustrate how slavery stripped individuals of their humanity, reducing them to commodities.

2. Resilience and Defiance: Despite their deplorable conditions, the enslaved Africans exhibit resilience and defiance. The Igbo proverb "Igbo pend’c or’ a ya!" translates to "Igbo does not hang itself in cowardice," highlighting their determination to resist despair and maintain their dignity.

3. Identity and Pride: The poem touches on the themes of identity and pride, particularly through the portrayal of the female slave. Her pride is described as being "masticated," suggesting that it has been chewed up and destroyed. This reflects how slavery not only physically confines individuals but also erodes their sense of self-worth and identity.

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4. Violence and Oppression: The poem is replete with images of violence and oppression. The cracking decks, the sound "like the break of bone," and the musket shot all depict the physical brutality of slavery. Additionally, the reference to the chains wrapped around the captain's neck in a dance of death symbolizes the cycle of violence and oppression inherent in the slave trade.

5. Memory and History: By recounting the experiences of enslaved Africans, Abani highlights the importance of remembering and acknowledging this dark chapter in history. The poem serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities of the transatlantic slave trade and the need to confront and learn from the past.

6. Freedom and Captivity: The contrast between the desire for freedom and the harsh reality of captivity is a central theme. The Africans' contemplation of swimming back to land underscores their yearning for freedom, while their confinement on the ship symbolizes the brutal reality of their captivity. This theme underscores the universal human desire for freedom and the injustice of slavery.

Literary Styles 

"Blue" by Chris Abani employs several literary styles and techniques to convey its themes and evoke emotional resonance:

1. Imagery: Abani uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the horrific conditions endured by enslaved Africans. Descriptions like "Africans in the hold fold themselves," "tar... melts to the run of a child’s licorice stick," and "her chains wrapped / around his neck in dance" create powerful and evocative visuals.

2. Symbolism: The poem is rich in symbolism. The "blue" in the title and the reference to "the blue inside a flame" can symbolize both the depths of despair and the flicker of hope that remains alive within the enslaved Africans. The licorice stick melting in the sun can symbolize the innocence and sweetness of life being consumed by the harshness of slavery.

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3. Repetition: The use of repetition, such as the repeated mention of the Igbo proverb and the repetition of the word "blue" throughout the poem, creates a sense of rhythm and reinforces key themes and ideas.

4. Irony: There is a strong sense of irony in the poem, particularly in the contrast between the brutality of the slave trade and the resilience and defiance of the enslaved Africans. The fact that they are referred to as "cargo" while also displaying such strength and determination highlights the absurdity and cruelty of slavery.

5. Allusion: The poem makes allusions to historical and cultural elements, such as the reference to the Igbo proverb and the mention of Haitians saying "Igbo pend’c or’ a ya!" These allusions add depth to the poem and connect it to broader historical and cultural contexts.

6. Point of View: The poem shifts between different perspectives, from the collective experience of the enslaved Africans to the individual experiences of specific characters, like the female slave. This shifting point of view adds complexity and depth to the narrative.

Tone and Mood 

The tone and mood of "Blue" by Chris Abani are somber, haunting, and reflective. 

Tone: The tone of the poem is one of lamentation and sorrow, as Abani portrays the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. There is a sense of mourning for the loss of dignity, identity, and freedom experienced by the enslaved Africans. Despite this, there is also a tone of resilience and defiance, particularly in the portrayal of the Africans' determination to resist dehumanization.

Mood: The mood of the poem is heavy and oppressive, evoking a sense of despair and sadness. The vivid descriptions of the cramped and suffocating conditions aboard the slave ship, as well as the violence and dehumanization suffered by the enslaved Africans, create a mood of darkness and hopelessness. However, there are moments of defiance and strength that punctuate the poem, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the despair.

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Overall, the tone and mood of "Blue" work together to create a powerful and emotional portrayal of the brutality of slavery and the resilience of the human spirit.

In "Blue," Chris Abani uses language and structure to enhance the poem's themes and evoke a strong emotional response:

Language

   - Abani's language is rich in imagery, using vivid descriptions to create a sensory experience for the reader. For example, he describes the "tar, grouting the planks like the glue / of family" and the "pain deeper than the blue inside a flame," painting a vivid picture of the harsh realities of slavery.

   - The use of specific language, such as the Igbo proverb and the reference to Haitians, adds cultural and historical depth to the poem, grounding it in a specific context and adding to its authenticity.

Structure

   - The poem is divided into four sections, each with its own focus and imagery. This structure allows Abani to explore different aspects of the slave trade experience, from the physical conditions aboard the ship to the psychological toll of slavery.

   - The use of short, fragmented lines and enjambment creates a sense of urgency and movement in the poem, mirroring the tumultuous journey of the enslaved Africans.

   - The repetition of certain phrases, such as the Igbo proverb and the word "blue," creates a rhythmic quality to the poem, emphasizing key themes and ideas.

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Conclusion 

"Blue" by Chris Abani is a powerful and poignant poem that delves into the harrowing experiences of enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade. Through vivid imagery, rich language, and a carefully structured narrative, Abani paints a vivid picture of the dehumanizing effects of slavery while also highlighting the resilience and defiance of the enslaved individuals. The poem's somber tone and haunting mood evoke a strong emotional response, inviting readers to reflect on the atrocities of the past and the enduring legacy of slavery. Overall, "Blue" is a compelling work that shines a light on a dark chapter in history and serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.